“Khaki Unionism” in the National Guard | What about Professional Soldiers’ representation?

In 2005, the amendment on the “Army of the Republic” Law led to the possibility for the creation of 2 professional associations, for the “active” members of the Cyprus Army. Following the initiative and efforts of a few officers and non-commissioned officers, in 2008 the Cyprus Army Officers’ Association (CAOA) together with the Cyprus Army Non-Commissioned Officers’ Association (N-CAOA) were founded respectively. The purpose of creating these 2 professional associations is, among other things, the prosperity and improvement of the terms and conditions of employment of the members of the Army as well as the elevation of the professional level and the development of the friendly relations between them.   

The main achievement of both associations is considered to be their contribution to the completion and voting of the new Promotion Regulations for both Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers, in 2016 and 2017 respectively, after several years of delays. In addition a very important fact is the establishment of the 2 associations as institutional representatives of their members both in meetings with the leadership of the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff of the National Guard as well as the House of Representatives. The two associations have been active members of the European Organization of Military Associations and Trade Unions (EUROMIL) since 2009 (CAOA) and 2010 (N-CAOA).

Professional soldiers (SYOP) are recruited on the basis of the Law on National Guard and not on the Army of the Republic like the Officers and non-commisioned Officers. The National Guard Law does not provide for the creation of associations and therefore professional soldiers are not entitled to create one. Professional soldiers however, can address the hierarchy of the National Guard through their Unit so as to resolve any issues related to their professional employment, such as transfers. According to our information, a previous request of the professional soldiers for their participation in the Association of Non-Commissioned Officers of the Cyprus Army was not satisfied. The Ministry of Defence did not comment on our question for the possibility of any amendments regarding the legislation.

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